Ernie Hudson Says He Wasn’t Properly Compensated For ‘Ghostbusters’: ‘They Couldn’t Have Paid Me Less Money’

Ernie Hudson

Ernie Hudson Says He Wasn’t Properly Compensated For ‘Ghostbusters’: ‘They Couldn’t Have Paid Me Less Money’

Ernie Hudson is opening up about his experience while filming the hit film “Ghostbusters.”

Over the past few years, the 77-year-old actor has spoken candidly about how Ivan Reitman’s 1984 comedy impacted his career in both positive and negative ways.

During a recent interview, Ernie Hudson admitted that “Ghostbusters” was a difficult job for him.

“There are certain things in this business that you don’t talk about, but I’ve mentioned before that was a difficult job. Most of the time, you accept those things and move on, because you’re afraid — you don’t want to do anything or say anything, because you’re happy to be working. The last thing you want to do is stop that.”

In addition to receiving reduced screen time, Ernie Hudson said that his compensation was substantially smaller than his co-stars.

“They couldn’t have paid me less money. I know so much of this business is about how you’re perceived, and [the perception is that] certain people deserve to make outrageous amounts of money. Whereas other people who work just as hard and may have more credits are not thought of as deserving in that way and the studios are insulted they would even ask for it.”

Ernie Hudson

However, according to Hudson, his own lack of industry knowledge and proper representation contributed to his lack of compensation and leverage.

“When you go into negotiate thinking people are going to do the right thing, you sign a contract without really being able to read and understand it. And you rely on agents who don’t really [care] about whether or not you understand it. A lot of times, they’re just happy to have a client get a job and aren’t looking out for your best interests. “

Hudson continued,

“Then you look around and say, ‘Why don’t I get any royalties from all this stuff that has my face on it?’ And they go, ‘Oh, that’s not part of your deal.’ That was a really hard awakening. I was a single dad then, too, and I was focused on getting the job. You think that people are protecting you, and they aren’t. “

Making matters worse, Columbia Pictures, which owns the franchise, continued to treat Hudson’s character as a fourth wheel, despite him having a large fanbase.

“The fans embraced Winston in a way that the studio was surprised by. I spoke to one executive who said, ‘Ernie, to the fans Winston is just part of the Ghostbusters.’ And I thought, ‘Isn’t that what I was always meant to be?’ I didn’t realize they thought of me as something else.”

Ernie Hudson also claimed that Columbia even prevented him from reprising his role as Winston in “The Real Ghostbusters,” the animated spin-off that ran from 1986 to 1991.

“I’d done a lot of animated work by then, but for whatever reason it seemed they didn’t want me, and that would have a made a huge difference at the time in my life. I didn’t make much money on the movie, so it would have been nice to at least do my voice in the animated series.”

During his interview, Hudson gave credit to his co-star Bill Murray for making sure he is included whenever the studio wants to bring out the original team for promotional events or new sequels.

“A lot of things have been said about Bill Murray, but from day one he’s been like, ‘Ernie, I got your back.’ He’s the one who always says, ‘I will not do another Ghostbusters movie unless Ernie’s involved.’ That’s unusual in this business.”

Despite the rocky history with the franchise, Hudson will be a part of the upcoming film “Ghostbusters: Firehouse.” In addition, Hudson shared that Jason Reitman — who wrote and directed “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” has made an effort to right past wrongs.

“I’m still a part of the franchise, and we’re getting ready to do the next one. Jason gave me that scene in the Afterlife credits that included Winston, and he’s tried to acknowledge some of the things that have been done [in the past] and correct those things. I’m very appreciative of him.”

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